The phrase "shit creek" is used to describe a very difficult or unpleasant situation. It suggests being in a place or circumstance where things are messed up or going wrong. Full definition
It makes sense — after all, if you've spent the better part of two years and millions of dollars making something adored by the critics but ignored by your audience, you may be a great artist but financially you're up shit creek without a paddle. (cubedgamers.com)
In the end, unless you have money, your friends have money, your family has money, or you havr a credit score above 720... you are up shits creek without a paddle. (biggerpockets.com)
-LSB-...] came across this on Twitter, shit creek consulting. (gapingvoid.com)